So I want your thoughts as people who cosplay as Ganguro
( for people who don't know what that is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganguro )

There is a convention coming up that I decided to go to and with no cosplay ready for it I've decided I might just try being a Ganguro, it's simple and easy to make but I want peoples thoughts if they don't like seeing it at cons, or if they think it's cool, just any thoughts about it!

:o

Xcele

02-14-2011, 05:40 PM

ganguro looks kinda creep o_O. girls look much better without all that make up and tanning. but if you want to definitely be different and stand out. then go for it! =D

fabrickind

02-14-2011, 10:18 PM

Well...

Ganguro is a fashion, not a costume, so keep that in mind.

Personally, I'm not the type to want to cosplay as a fashion, especially a defunct one (and gyaru is all about being up to the minute). You can do wahtever you like, but if you go for it, please try to do it well.

Kumagoraa

02-14-2011, 11:02 PM

I think going as a ganguro would be so cool! I think the out-there style is awesome. Just go all out! Leis, ring pops, Hello Kitty, rinestones, and extravagant nails! I've always wanted to see one.

I think ganguros are like the original (and/or Japanese equivalent) to scene kids.
Only more fun. <3

Savi-Chan

02-15-2011, 06:30 PM

Thanks! I definetly think I'm going to try this out!

I agree it's a funner scene style in Japan and hey it's a style like lolita is there, but you see so many lolitas now at cons might as well try the total opposite and be a ganguro! I will be sure to take pictures, Tons of flowers, neon clothes, bright stickers and of course hello kitty will be all over my body!

MidnightKitten

02-16-2011, 08:09 PM

I think it's cute, quirky, and I wish to see it more often done on non-japanese people for a change. I was looking at some of your pictures, and I really think you can pull it off since you're already kinda tan. If/when you do it, I personally can't wait to see pix :3 Good luck!

Kumagoraa

02-17-2011, 09:52 PM

Can't wait to see it! Have fun! ^^

Rogue-dono

02-18-2011, 12:53 PM

Hello! :D I want to give you a few warnings and some good advice when it comes to cosplaying this fashion.

Ganguro is very dead. It died as a fashion in Japan in 1999. The current style is Manba, though it is not at present as popular as other gyaru styles. Manba is the updated Ganguro and Yamanba style. There are LOTS of communities online dedicated to hunting up cosplayers who attempt gyaru (especially when 'ganguro' is present), and do nothing put post trash about the photos and ridicule them. Western Gyaru scene is not very forgiving when it comes to people doing dead styles.

I think your face structure will look better with Manba style, personally. I would suggest looking up Pin-san, who is a very popular gyaru in the western scene, and famous for her manba meikki and fashion. Here is one of her tutorials:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/Manba%20Pin/Rei__/meikki1.png

Here are some other things to avoid:

*Stickers. They are horrible and unattractive in nearly all cases.
*Avoid blotching your white. Make it smoothe and blend it.
*Blend blend blend! :D
*The stipe on your nose should not be too thick, and make sure to blend it!

I hope that helps a bit! I wish you good luck! I used to be part of manba and banba fashion, but now I just do oniikei and b-gyaru. ^^ I am VERY familiar with how western gyaru scene works at its worst, and I want to avoid you getting yourself put into those communities on a bad foot. D: Here in St. Louis, there are people who go to the cons here just to take pictures of 'ganguro' cosplayers and post them on the internet, just to make fun of them. PLEASE be careful! If you ever want additional help improving makeup or anything, please don't hesitate to ask! :D

GOOD LUCK!! :D I hope to see pics soon! (I also hope I got this to you before the convention. T__T I dont want to be useless help. lol)

ToroSonyCat

02-18-2011, 01:03 PM

As has been mentioned, ganguro is a rather dead style and there does seem to be some ridicule for it in some places.

But go ahead with it if you want to, there are also other styles that you could try which look to me like a less-over-the-top type of ganguro and tend to be refered to as gal/gyaru but I'm not quite too sure what to call them.
Like this (http://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1piq6a9avzPCBIHkRLBDpWeHzaGTf9Usq0D2PpoZh1qvS-bVf5CrhPKcgRMXP5hyYb297iO0vjVwA) or this (http://missmosquito.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/4310493.jpg) (I know they look different, the second one is 'hime' gyaru/gal)
I think this type of style would suit you much better personally and they also tend to be more present currently in Japan from what I can gather though I'm not 100% sure. But if you really want to stand out, ganguro stands out much more.

I'm not exactly an expert on Japanese styles, maybe someone else could provide better information. Sorry.

toshirua3846384

02-19-2011, 10:13 AM

Just putting this out here but; ganguro IS a style however if the anime character IS a ganguro than there is no harm done cosplaying as the character who is ganguro. I commend you for doing this style even thought its pretty old, also ive never seen it done at a con before. At the same time the notion of ganguro being a simple style is not at all true. You for one; you have to Super Dark tan ,Dyed Hair (blonde) or (blonde/grey) and Extensions(you could always get a wig on this), White eyeshadow, eyliner, and concealer, White and black mascara, Jewels, gems, stickers, fake teardrops, Glitter face powder, White lipstick, Fake hibiscus flowers ,Assorted Accessories, Bright Clothes, Miniskirt, Platforms , and lastly Decorative Nails.
All of this is doing ganguro the right way.

Also putting another thing out there; you could always cosplay as a gyaru. And yes while this is a fashion style it can equally be a cosplay if a character from an anime/videogame/visual novel/ dating sim are wearing it as their clothes. I think Gyaru can be a much simpler choice compared to a ganguro becasue of the broad variety of sect styles. Also if you do want to do the gyaru cosplay but don't want to tan you could always do the ganjiro

here are some examples of what was popular last year in november

MidnightKitten

02-19-2011, 06:43 PM

Just putting this out here but; ganguro IS a style however if the anime character IS a ganguro than there is no harm done cosplaying as the character who is ganguro. I commend you for doing this style even thought its pretty old, also ive never seen it done at a con before. At the same time the notion of ganguro being a simple style is not at all true. You for one; you have to Super Dark tan ,Dyed Hair (blonde) or (blonde/grey) and Extensions(you could always get a wig on this), White eyeshadow, eyliner, and concealer, White and black mascara, Jewels, gems, stickers, fake teardrops, Glitter face powder, White lipstick, Fake hibiscus flowers ,Assorted Accessories, Bright Clothes, Miniskirt, Platforms , and lastly Decorative Nails.
All of this is doing ganguro the right way.

Also putting another thing out there; you could always cosplay as a gyaru. And yes while this is a fashion style it can equally be a cosplay if a character from an anime/videogame/visual novel/ dating sim are wearing it as their clothes. I think Gyaru can be a much simpler choice compared to a ganguro becasue of the broad variety of sect styles. Also if you do want to do the gyaru cosplay but don't want to tan you could always do the ganjiro

here are some examples of what was popular last year in november

Thank you for these so much, srsly, they help since I'm practicing gal style. I saved every one of them. xD where did you find these?

TheseResinWings

02-20-2011, 03:11 AM

I love seeing people dress in Ganguro fashion. A lot of people don't care to keep up to date on the latest trends of Japan (unless they are like super hard core fans) so it shouldn't be too big of a deal. Seriously, how many people do you think will really go out of their way to say, "Well ganguros do this now, not that"? If that does happen, take it with a grain of salt and just try and brush them off.

fabrickind

02-20-2011, 12:10 PM

I don't think anyone would say that to her face, but if someone dresses poorly in gyaru fashion, people -will- notice. Especially on the internet, but also in real life.

Really, if it makes you happy to dress in ganguro, then go right ahead. But please try to do it well instead of just throwing on some random clothes, putting on a ton of bronzer, and poorly applying some white facepaint. Do your research, put some effort into it.

Actually, I've seen both new-style manbas and old-style manbas at cons, so it isn't unheard of to wear more OTT versions of gyaru at cons. I think it's something like how lolitas tend to go more OTT and crazy at cons because they can get away with it/it's one of the few appropriate places to wear a crazy OTT outfit. Gyaru likely do the same thing and go for the crazier and older styles because they can get away with crazy outfits while at a con.

toshirua3846384

02-20-2011, 11:36 PM

Thank you for these so much, srsly, they help since I'm practicing gal style. I saved every one of them. xD where did you find these?

Oops sorry for the late reply and your welcome lol; i got these scans from http://forum.asiajam.com/general-fashion-talk/17960-november-egg-magazine-scans-img-heavy.html

i'm already a subscriber to egg and ranzuki however since my scanner doesnt work as well and since it would have took a long time to scan and upload each pic on here i just took them off another site im actively on.

Also if you are practicing i know a site you should take note of. Go to http://ricoche.net/ its a site that have endless tutorials as well as great help when it comes to the gyaru style.

MidnightKitten

02-21-2011, 06:59 PM

Oops sorry for the late reply and your welcome lol; i got these scans from http://forum.asiajam.com/general-fashion-talk/17960-november-egg-magazine-scans-img-heavy.html

i'm already a subscriber to egg and ranzuki however since my scanner doesnt work as well and since it would have took a long time to scan and upload each pic on here i just took them off another site im actively on.

Also if you are practicing i know a site you should take note of. Go to http://ricoche.net/ its a site that have endless tutorials as well as great help when it comes to the gyaru style.

HOLYSHRIMP!
I just had a gyarugasm. xD thanks for these, book marked em. and I think i might join up too :)

Chirudesu

02-22-2011, 03:20 AM

I saw a hardcore ganguro at sakuracon last year and she lei'd me. It was so cool to know someone is into j-fashion *U* I'd love to see other people try ganguro or any gal style. I was planning on doing shibuhara gyaru last day of con this October. Recommend it to anyone who knows it and can do it! They'll prolly make a friend.

toshirua3846384

02-22-2011, 12:21 PM

HOLYSHRIMP!
I just had a gyarugasm. xD thanks for these, book marked em. and I think i might join up too :)

Your welcome and happi to help; its always nice to see people following the gal style in a positive way.

MidnightKitten

02-22-2011, 04:19 PM

I saw a hardcore ganguro at sakuracon last year and she lei'd me. It was so cool to know someone is into j-fashion *U* I'd love to see other people try ganguro or any gal style. I was planning on doing shibuhara gyaru last day of con this October. Recommend it to anyone who knows it and can do it! They'll prolly make a friend.

if you're talkin about wanting to do THIS (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_owXG1gRCusI/TKuS5cJSiWI/AAAAAAAAADM/gswe1k-6bXw/s1600/shibuhara.jpg) then omg that's the most cutest thing i've ever seen. maybe even cuter then decora. xD

@toshirua3846384: yeah i get where you're coming from, it's too often you hear people bad mouthing it T_T.

toshirua3846384

02-22-2011, 09:40 PM

if you're talkin about wanting to do THIS (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_owXG1gRCusI/TKuS5cJSiWI/AAAAAAAAADM/gswe1k-6bXw/s1600/shibuhara.jpg) then omg that's the most cutest thing i've ever seen. maybe even cuter then decora. xD

@toshirua3846384: yeah i get where you're coming from, it's too often you hear people bad mouthing it T_T.

And its sad to because usually the people who are bad mouthing the style are the ones that know nothing of it except what they see. If they see one gyaru kei running around in Ikebukuro being all loud or just doing gross behavior they think anyone who does the gyaru style is like that. And yes while i was living in japan i have seen really horrible gyaru-kei but there are some that are not like that at all and don't practice things like enjo-ko or enjo kosai. But people are going to take a stereotype and run it a mile long thats why im trying to set a bit of a different standard as a gyaru so people will possibly think twice.

MidnightKitten

02-23-2011, 02:23 AM

And its sad to because usually the people who are bad mouthing the style are the ones that know nothing of it except what they see. If they see one gyaru kei running around in Ikebukuro being all loud or just doing gross behavior they think anyone who does the gyaru style is like that. And yes while i was living in japan i have seen really horrible gyaru-kei but there are some that are not like that at all and don't practice things like enjo-ko or enjo kosai. But people are going to take a stereotype and run it a mile long thats why im trying to set a bit of a different standard as a gyaru so people will possibly think twice.

people will always "automatically assume" and judge on appearance.. its the sad truth of this world, for any country too.. to be honest with you, this particular style reminds me of what american girls who live specifically in new jersey wear, only the colors are more toned down, and instead of wild blond multi colored hair, they sport black hair and the funny part, is that they get similar responses that gyaru girls get.. "oh theyre prostitutes, and attention whores" and it sickens me. just because they dress/look a certain way, doesn't mean they ARE a certain way. it's a shame how you're not allowed to express yourself though fashion, without getting the hellish aftermath from peoples judgment of you.

off topic tho, you speak japanese i take it. why was you living in japan if i can ask.. it's just been a dream of mine since i was born. xD

toshirua3846384

02-23-2011, 04:58 PM

people will always "automatically assume" and judge on appearance.. its the sad truth of this world, for any country too.. to be honest with you, this particular style reminds me of what american girls who live specifically in new jersey wear, only the colors are more toned down, and instead of wild blond multi colored hair, they sport black hair and the funny part, is that they get similar responses that gyaru girls get.. "oh theyre prostitutes, and attention whores" and it sickens me. just because they dress/look a certain way, doesn't mean they ARE a certain way. it's a shame how you're not allowed to express yourself though fashion, without getting the hellish aftermath from peoples judgment of you.

off topic tho, you speak japanese i take it. why was you living in japan if i can ask.. it's just been a dream of mine since i was born. xD

Yea unfortunately i see that too when it comes to the "jersey shore style" except the hair is black in most cases and the guys who follow it aren't really like gyaru-o people. They a more muscular and have shorter natural hair.

But off topic; yep thats correct i speak Japanese fluently but with a slight kansai-ben accent. I wasn't born there though( i'm from Fiji *i'm a pacific islander*) but i lived there a great bit of my life. My parents were embassy and air force affiliated so we had to be stationed there. Also i have friends there who still currently reside in Japan so i visit them every other golden week, however my dad retired here stateside of all places. Living in the U.S is way different than Nihon though lol. I think i was around ten when i was aware of the style. A older friend had got me into it. She was part of a Gal-sa but more of a nago-cir. But she represented it in a positive way, she always kept her grades up and not only that but she didnt go out and drink and party all day like a stereotypical gal.

Savi-Chan

02-23-2011, 05:05 PM

Thanks Toro and Rogue, the con is this weekend and I've been looking up the styles and make up as it is. As for the make up I've studied a little on their make up and I don't want to go as heavy as they actually do my look will be a little more settle, thanks for the make up tips~ But I do a lot of make up on models for a few friends who are photographers, so thats all good ^^.

I'll look up these other styles, maybe decide to go that way I'm not too keen on the 'hime' gyaru because it looks too lolita for me and I'm trying to stay away from that style for now.
I'll try a few things out, maybe take a few test pictures and post them before I go to the con to see what you guys think!

Savi-Chan

02-28-2011, 10:47 PM

*update*

So I went to the con and surprisingly I got a lot of praise for doing ganguro even though I was not only told it was dead on this forum I also was in person but they gave me kudos for bringing it to a con, even a few Japanese girls came up to me asking for pictures and such~ It was a lot of fun and happy to report I pulled it off well (So I was told).

I did a lot of research on ganguro before I posted a thread on the forums about peoples opinions so I didn't make a mess of the style and I'm glad I took my time and took your guys' advice and search up also manba, etc. (I did end up doing a more manba style).

I hope to have some pictures up soon for you guys to see!

Thanks everyone :3 ~

LemonedPink

07-19-2011, 03:55 PM

I personally can't stand Ganguro. BUT I don't have a problem with any of the girls who like to dress this way.. if they like it, and it makes them happy, nobody should stop them! As for cosplaying well.. I'd find it a bit weird to 'cosplay' Ganguro. It's a style, so I wouldn't really call it cosplay.. o.o